FULL GARDENS .com - Famous Botanical Gardens in North Korea

Famous Botanical Gardens in North Korea [Back]

North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is home to botanical gardens that reflect its commitment to preserving native flora and promoting botanical research. These gardens serve as centers for plant conservation, education, and public enjoyment, showcasing a variety of plant species native to the Korean Peninsula and other regions. Here are some of the notable botanical gardens in North Korea:

Korea Central Botanical Garden

Established in 1959, the Korea Central Botanical Garden is located at the base of Mount Taesong in Pyongyang. Covering an area of 20 hectares, the garden cultivates approximately 6,500 plant species, including 2,500 native to North Korea and 4,000 introduced from other countries. The garden is divided into 14 specialized areas, such as horticultural plants, medicinal plants, and an arboretum. It also houses a museum and a herbarium with around 200,000 specimens. Additionally, the garden features a "Friendship Botanical Garden," exhibiting plants donated by international visitors.

Nampo Botanical Garden

Located in Nampo, the Nampo Botanical Garden serves both research and recreational purposes. While specific details about its size and collections are limited, the garden focuses on the conservation of plant species and offers a natural retreat for visitors.

Ogasan Nature Reserve

Situated around Mount Oga, which straddles the borders of Hwap'yong county in Chagang Province and Kimhyongjik county in Ryanggang Province, the Ogasan Nature Reserve covers approximately 6,000 hectares. The reserve includes 800 hectares of old-growth forest and hosts more than 1,330 species of plants and animals. The mountain features diverse plant life, including boreal and temperate species, with zones of broadleaved, mixed, and coniferous forests. Notable trees in the reserve include Mongolian oak, yew, linden, Manchurian fir, Jezo spruce, and several pine varieties. Some trees are centuries old, such as a 700-year-old Mongolian oak and a 1,100-year-old yew.

Flora of North Korea

North Korea's flora comprises approximately 2,898 recorded species, with 14% being endemic. The country's forests are primarily subarctic (boreal) and cool-temperate, with coniferous species like Pinus densiflora dominating. The native plant communities in the lowlands have largely disappeared due to cultivation and urbanization, but native conifer forests remain in the highlands.